Looking for your next great read? These 10 rom-coms are sure to get you in the spirit for Valentine’s Day!
In the month of February, love is on everyone’s mind. Whether you’re an avid reader, or just enjoy the occasional romance novel, these ten rom coms are the perfect cure for all of your V-day feels. As a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, I feel confident that at least one of these books will charm you; there are young adult and adult novels, so no need to worry about spice level if you don’t prefer it! All of my YA picks are pretty PG-13!
Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter
This novel follows Liz Buxbaum over the course of her senior year of high school. She is a lover of all things love, romantic movies, and playlists for every occasion. Wes Bennett, her neighbor and longtime frenemy, helps her gain the attention of her childhood crush that just moved back to their town, however Michael isn’t the only one that ends up being on Liz’s radar. I couldn’t put this book down! It is my most recommended book for good reason!
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
If it’s cold where you are, this next one may be the pick for you, it takes place on Martha’s Vineyard, following Meredith, an 18 year old who recently lost her sister. There is a family wedding and the annual game of assassin, and when her target is one of the groomsmen, she can’t help but be a bit distracted. This one is a perfect beach read (or a “pretend you’re on the beach read because it’s below freezing!!”).
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
For the chess fans (or fans of The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix), this is the perfect pick. I must admit I know very little about chess, but this one incorporates the game with the perfect chess-to-drama ratio. The main character, Mallory, played chess as a child but stopped due to family issues. After being convinced to join a charity tournament, she is thrust back into the competitive chess world. She quickly rises in the ranks, and finds herself not only immersed in the game, but also with the players.
Today Tonight Tomorrow By Rachel Lynn Solomon
A coming of age story set over the course of Rowan and Neil’s last day of high school. They have been competing all four years for valedictorian, and when Neil is awarded the title, Rowan’s only chance left to beat him in high school is the annual senior class game. The two end up teaming up for a better chance, and their teamwork brings two unlikely friends closer. Rowan realizes she may have feelings other than hatred for Neil, but how could she fall for her longtime rival?
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
This one is perfect for a younger reader! This one focuses on Anna, an American teenager who gets sent to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year of high school. She joins an existing group of friends, and becomes close to one boy in particular. She had zero expectations coming to Paris, but she’ll be leaving with newfound knowledge, friends, and maybe even love.
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
This one is my first pick for an adult rom com. Perfect for lovers of ballet and/or professional football, this sweet romance follows two best friends–one dance teacher and one professional football player–as they navigate their relationship with each other when they both become single at the same time. A super quick and fun read!
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
This one is the perfect pick for bibliophiles! An editor and literary agent run into each other in a small town; it would be a welcome meeting however they have worked together on numerous occasions and their meetings are never joyous. Things change, however, when they run into each other many times over; the stories they have made up about each other slowly are broken down as they see each other out of their normal circumstances. Absolutely perfect for any “book lover”!
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This next pick is the only one with a movie adaptation (so far!). Its a heartwarming and hilarious story, detailing the relationship between first son Alex and Prince Henry. A true enemies-to-lovers, this one made me laugh out loud multiple times because of characters’ quips and one-liners. Loved this one!
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
This one features Olive, a self-proclaimed unlucky person in every category. When her “lucky” sister’s wedding catering ends up giving everyone but Olive and the best man food poisoning, the two–that hate each other–end up going on the honeymoon together instead of the newly married couple. Olive runs into her future boss, and the vacation, along with her hatred, get a lot more complicated. Such a perfect beach or dream for warmer weather read!
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
In my final choice, Olive is a Ph.D. candidate, and when trying to convince her best friend she is in a relationship, she ends up kissing the first guy she sees, who just happens to be Adam, a young professor known for his sour attitude toward everyone. She expects him to have the same attitude towards her, and is shocked when he agrees to act as her fake boyfriend to keep the act up with her best friend. The two have to navigate fake dating and keep the truth a secret from everyone, but somewhere along the way the lines between fake and real are blurred.
These ten reads are sure to become fast favorites, especially when everyone is feeling the love this February!